Los Angeles, CA: Umamicatessen

"A little grease on the griddle helps season the meat," believes Umami Burger founder Adam Fleischman, who also incorporates flavor boosters into ground beef, like "umami dust," a savory mix that includes ground kombu (a type of seaweed) and dried shiitake mushrooms. At his newer outpost, Umamicatessen, Fleischman ups the savoriness even further in the Manly Burger, which is topped with beer-cheddar cheese, smoked-salt onion strings, and bacon lardons.